IT WASN’T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY

I. The Problem in the Trial (1 Kings 17:17)

The problem focused on the widow’s son.

A. The disease in the problem. “Fell sick” (1 Kings 17:17). Disease comes to the innocent as well as the wicked.

B. The death in the problem. “His sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him” (1 Kings 17:17). The son died because of the disease. The death would bring much weeping.

II. The Place of the Trial (1 Kings 17:17)

This great trial came to places not expected. God’s people should not be surprised if they experience trial.

A. The place of submission. Both the widow and Elijah were doing the will of God. They had obeyed God, yet the trial came. Obedience does not eliminate trials. It may even add some.

B. The place of sacrifice. Both Elijah and the widow were in a place of sacrifice. Elijah had to sacrifice to come to Zarephath, and the widow had to sacrifice to keep Elijah, yet trial came. Sacrifice does not eliminate trial. It may even bring some.

C. The place of service. The widow was serving the Lord in keeping Elijah. This would require much extra work keeping a border in her house. But serving the Lord does not exempt from trials but may experience many trials.